Highlights of 2022 and Hopes for 2023

2022 was a year of exploring and learning for Simon's Soapbox. Here are some highlights of last year and some hopes for the coming one.

Markets

In 2022 we sold at five different markets and enjoyed meeting new and returning customers. We had no previous experience selling at a craft/farmer’s market so this was a big learning curve. From June-December we explored what type of market works best for us and our business. A huge thank you to everyone who came by to talk with us at a market - these experiences were life-giving learning opportunities for us.

Simon and Caroline standing behind a table at the Run Up for Down Syndrome

Simon and Caroline at their first market - Run UP for Down Syndrome (June 2022)

Two people talking to Caroline and Simon at a market table under a white tent

Caroline and Simon talking to customers at the We Belong Market Downtown Vancouver (August 2022)

Two young men with Down Syndrome and a tall woman standing in front of a table at a market

Simon and Caroline at the New West Farmer's Holiday Market (Dec 2022) with Jacob of BU Candles

Telling people about Simon's Soapbox

In 2022 we learned to talk about our business together. We worked hard on communication support for Simon. Simon’s AAC (iPad) device and some visual printouts helped Simon talk with people about how we make and sell soap together.

Simon holding a laminated image explaining the steps for making soap an iPad showing the TouchChat communication app

A woman with brown hair and glasses points to a magazine article while a man with glasses smiles proudly

In the Fall, we did a zoom interview for with Simon’s former teacher and had a mini photo shoot at our October market. We were featured in our high school almuni magazine. 

In November, Melanie Nagy of CTV National News interviewed us and we showed her how we make soap together. Seeing Simon's Soapbox featured on the National News and receiving orders and encouraging messages from across the country was thrilling. To read the article and view the video, click here.

Making Soap

We made and sold more soap than we thought we would! We set a modest goal for the year. But thanks to tips and equipment from a pro soaper, we began scaling our production in time for a busy holiday season.

woman and man stand behind table full of bars of soap giving a thumbs up Bars of black and white soap

Three Hopes for 2023

  • That we move forward together. The foundation of our business is that we make and sell soap together. We will hold to this value through 2023.
  • That we experiment with new scent blends for our soap and learn new skills.
  • That we connect with businesses and organizations committed to inclusive employment. In 2022 we met many remarkable individuals and businesses. We look forward to continuing our relationship with them. We know even more people and businesses are committed to inclusive employment, and we can’t wait to meet them!

image of Simon and Caroline and the words "we make soap together"

 

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